Joseph Gosnell facts for kids

Joseph Arthur Gosnell Sr. (born June 21, 1936 – died August 18, 2020) was a very important leader for the Nisga'a people. The Nisga'a are a First Nation from northern British Columbia, Canada. He worked hard to improve life for his community. He is best known for helping to create the Nisga'a Treaty. This was a very important agreement between the Nisga'a, Canada, and British Columbia.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Gosnell was born at Arrandale Cannery. He grew up in the village of New Aiyansh, where he lived for most of his life. His parents were Eli and Mary Gosnell.

He went to St. Michael's Residential School in Port Alberni, British Columbia. After school, he worked as a fisherman. He was also a fluent speaker of the Nisga'a language.

A Leader for His People

Joseph Gosnell became very active in his community. He served as a band councillor. He also joined the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia, eventually becoming its chairman. This group worked to support Indigenous people.

He was also a member of the Pacific Salmon Commission. This group helps manage salmon fishing.

Leading the Nisga'a Nation

For many years, Joseph Gosnell served on the Nisga'a Tribal Council. In 1992, he was elected President of the council. In these roles, he helped bring many good changes to the Nass River Valley. These changes included better medical care, improved education, and smarter ways to manage natural resources.

The Nisga'a Treaty

Joseph Gosnell was the main Nisga'a representative in the talks for the Nisga'a Treaty. This treaty was signed on August 4, 1998. It was the first modern treaty between a British Columbian First Nation, Canada, and British Columbia. This agreement gave the Nisga'a people more control over their land and future.

In November 2000, he was elected President of the new Nisga'a Lisms government. This government was created because of the treaty.

Awards and Recognition

Joseph Gosnell received many awards and honors for his important work.

Honorary Degrees

He received four special degrees called Honorary Doctorate of Laws. These degrees recognized his achievements.

• Royal Roads University in Colwood (1997)
• Open Learning Agency in Burnaby (1999)
• Simon Fraser University (2000)
• University of Northern British Columbia (2000)

Other Honors

• In 1999, he received the Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Labour Congress.
• Also in 1999, he received the Order of British Columbia. This is a high honor in British Columbia.
• In 2000, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. This group celebrates Indigenous achievements.
• In 2001, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. He was promoted to Companion in 2006.
• In 2002, he received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.

Later Roles

In 2012, he was a special Visiting Distinguished Indigenous Scholar in Residence at the Vancouver School of Theology. On May 31, 2019, he became the seventh Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia.

Joseph Gosnell was also a member of the Gitlaxt’aamiks Ceremonial Dancers. He held the noble name Sim'oogit Hleek. He was married to Audrey Adele Munroe. They had seven children: Marilyn Arlene, Joseph Wayne, Sharon Marjorie, Theodore Allen, Frank Curtis, Keith Andrew, and Kevin Wesley.